Paul Harris Stores did exactly what it was supposed to. It brought fashion, comfort, style, and functionality to millions of women in the Midwest. Paul Harris' run of 50 years is remarkable because so few retail stores make it that long and so few make it so big. His life and experiences tell readers much about U.S. culture, retail history, and a brand of entrepreneurship that appears to be making a comeback.
Foreword by Dr. Richard Feinberg
Prologue
Chapter One: Beginnings
Chapter Two: Paul Harris Takes Root
Chapter Three: Locations, Locations, Locations
Chapter Four: Paul Harris Goes to the Mall
Chapter Five: Breaking New Ground: Designing a Brand
Chapter Six: All Around the World
Chapter Seven: Tornado: A Mixed Blessing
Chapter Eight: A New Learning Curve: Self-Examination as a Way of Life and Leadership
Chapter Nine: Introducing Pasta: Italian Street Clothing
Chapter Ten: Heading Off the Rails
Chapter Eleven: Bankruptcy: A Textbook Recovery
Chapter Twelve: Passing the Torch
Epilogue
Gerald Paul was born in Germany. He emigrated from Europe to the United States in and started Paul Harris stores in 1954 in Indianapolis and grew the chain to 303 stores. He received an honorary Doctoral degree from Purdue University in 1998.
Victoria Barrett's teaches writing at Ball State University and at The Writers' Center of Indiana. Her short stories have appeared in several publications.